At the start of 2018, I faced uncertainty as a self-employed consultant. The uncertainty came in the shape of a rather thin pipeline of future work. Thoughts of getting a job came thick and fast as I desperately tried to hold my nerve and stay positive. Sharing my concerns with fellow consultants resulted in heaps of reassurance and lots of ‘don’t worry, it’ll come’ conversations.

Fear is a reality of self-employment but one that can drive and motivate you in ways I’d never truly considered. Previously in the safe haven of my former life, fear was a totally different concept, and was far from a motivating force. Harnessing fear as a building block of positive action or focus is very much at the heart of confidence as your own boss.

Being afraid can truly be a strength as it drives our inner fight or flight. Facing your fears can allow you to show an inner confidence and belief which makes for greater focus, honesty and outcomes.

I am not pretending for one minute that this is all a bed of roses, far from it, but I am suggesting that fear itself should not be feared.

Just remember…‘fear kills more dreams than failure ever will’